“Jesus, where’s that gone?” – FIA Race Director Michael Masi is satisfied with how the first-ever sprint qualifying race transpired at the British Grand Prix.
Michael Masi has given his thumbs up to sprint qualifying after it made its debut in the British Grand Prix. He likes the idea of having qualifying, sprint qualifying, and the main race on three separate days.
Next sprint race at Monza
The next sprint race will take place at Monza, with one more potentially at the Mexican Grand Prix. Masi has suggested they will sit will all teams and make any necessary amendments required for future sprint races.
“I think the first event was a success and it was amazing to have a full crowd at the British Grand Prix.
“Everyone should be proud of what we achieved. Looking back, the original intention…gave three competitive elements across the three days of the event. Which for the viewers, the spectators, the public and the fans has its benefits.
“By the time you get through those first few laps and you hear the call we get over the radio, ‘10 laps to go’, and you go, ‘Jesus, where’s that gone?’ You have to remind yourself.
“But I thought it was good – the excitement, Kimi [Raikkonen] and Fernando [Alonso], their overtaking off the start, all added to the spectacle and from what I understand it came across well from a spectators’ perspective. Speaking to friends around the globe, they liked it because it was different.
“There was always an open mind from the FIA, F1 and the teams that we would take the first event and see what improvements could be made. Overall, I think there’s one little element one team brought up which is inconsequential. It’s just something to think about that will be discussed.
“For Monza, we’ll sit down openly with everyone, take on any feedback and make any amendments we may need to make before Monza.”
